10/12/2026
Buying a home in Newton, Waltham, or Watertown? One of the most important things you can do as a buyer is understand the contingencies in your offer before you sign anything. These protective clauses can mean the difference between walking away safely and being locked into a situation that doesn't work for you.
Here's a quick breakdown of the ones that matter most. A home inspection contingency gives you the right to have the property professionally inspected and to renegotiate or walk away if serious issues turn up. A financing contingency protects you if your mortgage approval falls through after the offer is accepted. An appraisal contingency ensures you're not forced to overpay if the home appraises below the purchase price. And in Massachusetts, you'll also want to understand the Purchase and Sale agreement timeline, which is specific to how real estate closings work here in the Commonwealth.
In a competitive Greater Boston market, some buyers feel pressure to waive contingencies to win a bidding war. That's a real conversation worth having with your agent so you know exactly what you're giving up and what alternatives might exist. We're always here to walk you through it, no pressure, just honest guidance. https://mikehughesteam.com
